Day 39, Heidelberg

Sorry for the delay folks, internet kaput yesterday, but I still wrote the blog see...?

Guten tag from Heidelberg, one of the more picturesque cities we've visited so far, and home to another thriving student population, as with so many towns before it. The student culture here in Germany is fantastic. From what I've seen over the years, people are relaxed, open-minded, often eager to explore new horizons, and typically very accepting of whoever they encounter along the way. It's a nice change from the tall poppy mentality that is unfortunately so prevalent at times in Australia. Each experience therefore can be appreciated on its merits, at that time, rather than having to carry the burden of pre-judgements and misconceptions. I'm sure I've been guilty of this in the past myself, it's endemic in our way of life back home. And yes you could argue that it keeps people in check, helps them stay grounded, doesn't let them get ahead of themselves, but there's a slightly more sinister element to it, something that doesn't allow success to be fully celebrated, and that's where at times we shoot ourselves in the foot. I went to see Bruce Springsteen for the first time earlier this year and I found my self wondering if he would have reached the same heights growing up and cutting his teeth in Australia rather than America. The Rock Star. The larger-than-life personality. The enigma. I'd like to think he would have, that true quality always finds a way to rise above the rest, but sadly I'm not so sure...

Anyway perhaps we should leave that little ocean of positive energy I just created and talk about castles. Why? Because Heidelberg has a cracker! Built in the 11-1200's, it has seen it's fair share of trouble over the years, and the crumbling walls are a testament to that, but it hasn't lost any of it's magic in spite of the wounded facade. Especially on a warm Autumnal afternoon, the type you simply can't let slip away without taking a stroll to an old castle for lunch in the sun. Perched above Heidelberg, the surrounding views are quite stunning, fortunately unaffected by the hoards of tourists shuffling along with audio guides round their neck. I can handle the occasional audio guide, no doubt there were stories to tell about this big old masterpiece, but the day was far too beautiful to get caught up in all that nonsense.

Now to get back to my initial thread, before I was sidetracked by castles and tall poppies - the students. Which was somehow going to lead me to last night's house concert, although I'm not exactly sure how I was going to get there. Regardless, I appear to be there now, so let me elaborate. Another big student party (ah there's the link, that wasn't so difficult was it...), held at the new house of Luggi, a Heidelberg local who has hosted both Brett and Mijo in years past, twice each in fact. I'm told that means I have to come back for a 2nd performance, and after last night's show I'll happily sign up to the task. This was Luggi's 25th birthday party, and also a chance to stage a concert in his new abode for the first time. Think a big old bar on the ground floor, with 8 people sharing 2 floors upstairs, a DJ spinning decks in the basement, crates of beer in the kitchen, food aplenty, and a whole bunch of friends there to let their hair down on a Friday night. Ah hair. Those were the days... But I digress, I think you get the picture, and if you don't there's a few here for you. Nice to hear Maria (one of the house mates) sing in the middle of my set too - a beautiful voice, floating effortlessly through a couple of Laura Marling tunes. I always appreciate the chance to enjoy other performances, however brief they might be, as work my way around. Maybe next time she'll play a few more. I can't imagine there'd be too many arguments...

Thanks to Luggi and everyone else in the house. Awesome. One last show before a night off, then Bern and Halle next week. A few more too, I just can't think of them at the moment. But they're on my website somewhere. Or my Facebook page. I'm sure of it. Because I just went and fixed up all the mistakes yesterday. Sorry about that... Freiburg here we come x

PS - Look I found another Kombi van. On the wall last night. It says California on it too. Maybe it's a sign... Hmmm... Or maybe it just says California on the side of it. Whatever the case, I think I'm getting closer to the real thing...